Will Shields (courtesy ProFootballHOF.com)
Former Chiefs offensive guard Will Shields joins other stars like running back Tiki Barber, quarterback Drew Bledsoe, and wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, and former Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer joins Bill Cowher, and Bill Parcells, as first-year eligible modern era candidates (see all 103 names) for the Class of 2012’s Pro Football Hall of Fame.
From the initial of nominees, the selection committee will choose 25 candidates who will advance as semifinalist nominees. The list of 25 semifinalists will be announced in November. That list of 25 will be reduced 15 modern era finalists and announced in January.
Shields was a 12-time Pro Bowler and nine-time All-Pro selection for the Kansas City Chiefs during his playing career. He started 231 consecutive games for the Chiefs, spanning 14 seasons, and was the 2003 Walter Payton Man of the Year for his community work with his Will to Succeed Foundation.